264 TlMEHRl. 
when hatched, unlike the precocious young of the poultry 
group. This order is widely distributed over the world, 
but contains a small number of forms as compared with 
the preceding orders 
The order of the GaUmse, or the pheasants and 
poultry, is represented by several forms. They agree in 
having the upper bill vaulted and convex; in having 
strong legs, often spurred ; strong toes furnished with 
thick blunt claws adapted for scratching (hence the old 
name Rasores applied to the order) ; and in having the 
hinder toe generally raised from the ground. To this 
order belong the quails, the powis or curassow (Crax)^ 
the maroodi (Penelope), the maam (Tinamus) , and the 
hannaqua (Ortalis). The specimens of these birds are 
shewn in the smaller upright case. 
The families of the powis or curassow, and of the 
maam, are confined to tropical America. No mem- 
bers of the family of the pheasants are found in South 
America. The different forms of this order are admirably 
suitable for food purposes. 
The order Opisthocomi, contains only one bird the 
hoatzin or Canje pheasant (Opisthocomus cristatus) , 
k type that is apparently confined to British Guiana and 
Brazil, the distribution in each case being of a very 
limited kind. Two specimens are shown in the case 
close to the pigeons. In former ages, this bird was 
much more widely distributed in South America, shown 
by its remains being found in the cave deposits. 
It was at one time classed with the passerine or 
perching birds, and at another with the gallinaceous 
birds or poultry, but its peculiarities have gradually 
become more known and understood, with this result. 
